Hybrid Optical-Laser Tracking for Surgical Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current locating systems for medical devices in surgical suites lack precision and efficiency in determining the position and type of devices, particularly in distinguishing between fixed and movable equipment, which can lead to inaccuracies and potential collisions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A locating system that utilizes optical markers coupled to medical devices, a 3D sensor to obtain initial position data, and a laser device for subsequent position confirmation, with a controller to determine device positions and recognize device types, enabling precise positioning and movement control of movable devices along defined paths while avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used to obtain position data of medical devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of position determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing modalities (optical sensors, laser range finders, and other position detection devices) into a hybrid pose tracking system. This merging of different sensing technologies allows the system to achieve high measurement precision for medical device positioning while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a multi-functional tracking architecture where a single integrated system performs multiple functions: optical marker detection, laser range finding, pose calculation, and collision detection. This universal approach allows one system to handle various positioning tasks with different precision requirements, optimizing both accuracy and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If optical markers are coupled to medical devices for positioning, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning system into independent modular components: optical markers attached to devices, separate sensing devices for detection, and processing units for calculation. This segmentation allows the markers to be simple attachments on medical devices without complicating the core medical functionality, while the positioning system remains modular and manageable.
3Reliability
If a hybrid pose tracking system with multiple sensing devices is used, then the reliability of position determination improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical markers as intermediary elements that facilitate communication between the medical devices and the sensing system. These markers serve as reliable intermediaries that reflect light from multiple sources, enabling the hybrid sensing system to accurately track device positions without requiring direct complex interactions between multiple sensors and the devices themselves.
4Reliability
If the system distinguishes between fixed and movable devices, then the safety and collision avoidance improve, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary classification of medical devices into fixed and movable categories during system initialization or device registration phases. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-compute collision risks and movement constraints for each device type, so that during actual surgical procedures, the system can quickly reference pre-established safety parameters without performing complex real-time computations, thus reducing processing time while maintaining high safety standards.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides accurate and efficient positioning of medical devices, enhancing safety and flexibility within the surgical suite by precisely determining device locations and types, and controlling their movement to avoid collisions, thereby optimizing the use of space and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is configured to obtain initial position data of the optical markers
Implementation Method 2
A laser device is configured to obtain subsequent position data of the optical markers
Data Source
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AI summary
A locating system (10) for a surgical suite (14) includes optical markers (18) coupled to a medical device (22, 24). A sensor (26) is configured to obtain an initial position data of the optical markers (18). A laser device (30) is configured to obtain subsequent position data of the optical markers (18). A controller (34) receives the initial position data from the sensor (26) and the subsequent position data from the laser device (30). The controller (34) is configured to determine a position of the medical device (22, 24) within the surgical suite (24) and recognize a type of the medical device (22, 24) in response to the optical markers (18).